Stöðvarfjörður – A Tiny Beautiful Village in East Iceland

Basic Information

Stöðvarfjörður is a small village in East Iceland.
Less than 200 inhabitants.

Highly-popular places which are part of the mainstream, always attract the crowds. However, some explorers, who visit this country, like to delve deep into the fabric of Iceland. If you also like to visit regions which offer something rare and unique, Stöðvarfjörður can be your next stop.

Stöðvarfjörður is a village based in East Iceland. The tiny coastal village is located on the Northern shore of the Stöðvarfjörður fjord. Less than 200 inhabitants live in the vicinity. The village is associated with the municipality of Fjarðabyggð. The panoramic mountain sight that can be seen from the village is magnificent. You can experience the beauty of numerous stunning natural features of the region.

History and Economy of the Village

Stöðvarfjörður has always been a place where agriculture flourished. Due to this, the village started establishing around 1896, when Carl Guðmundsson was given permissions to operate the business at that location. Fishing was another major trade for the villagers. Farmers who conducted seasonal fishing lived there because of the rich fishing grounds right outside the mouth of the fjord. With time, the fishing industry has lost its fervor in the village due to various reasons. Stöðvarfjörður harbor still holds significance in the life of the village locals. When you visit there, you may even meet some of the local fishermen.

Tourism is another industry central to the economy of Stöðvarfjörður. Trade through the tourism industry became so important for the village that the old village church was transformed to serve as a comfortable guesthouse for the visitors. Although, this transformation only took place after the village got its new church in 1991. Another building which was formerly a fish freezing plant also got renovated to become a beautiful creative center. This creative center reflects the artistic spirit of the village where creativity is appreciated. It is a collective hub for artist studios and residencies, workshops, and various other interesting things. There is even a recording studio built inside. This is a wonderful place to visit with children because of the inspiration that it gives.

Things to See in Stöðvarfjörður

A captivating display of mountains over the coastline is a key feature of the village, which is common to most of the Eastfjords. The gigantic mountain peak Steðji is towards the northern side of Stöðvarfjördur and Hellufjall is also not far from it. On the southern side of the fjord lies the majestic mountain Súlur. The enriched geology of the village is breathtaking and worthy of capturing.

Other unique spots include Saxa, which is a sea geyser situated towards the north of the mouth of the fjord. The mesmerizing spot is formed by the widening of the shoreline through the cliffs. When you visit the other end of the fjord, there are some of the hiking options available, with the routes near the Jafnadalur valley. The visitors will find one among the country’s most beautiful natural rock arches there. In the middle of this cluster of mountains, you can see the group of three giant rocks known as Einbúi or the Hermit.

Petra’s Stone Collection is another marvelous sight that you do not want to miss. A local by the name of Petra Sveinsdóttir, who passed away in 2012, collected stones and minerals throughout her life. These collectables are arranged from floor to ceiling in her house. 70% of these stones and minerals are from nearby areas. This is an impressive collection that speaks about the richness of rock in the village. There is a small kiosk in front of this house which opens daily from June to mid-September. Here you can get delicious soup and coffee.

Apart from this, there are many small art galleries and the souvenir shops which offer on sale many lovely knick-knacks created by the local vendors and artists. These products include charming carvings, stones, ceramics etc. You can also have a glance at knitwear selection which is top-notch.